Maria Hawley Zapata

Admissions Counselor
[email protected] 
(423) 614-8515

Maria works with students from:

States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming 

Tennessee Counties: Bedford, Bledsoe, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Davidson, Dekalb, Dickson, Fentress, Franklin, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, Wayne, White, Williamson, Wilson

Hello! My name is Maria Hawley Zapata. I graduated from Lee with a Bachelor's of Science in Theological and Professional Studies in the July of 2023.

I hail from Louisville, KY but now enjoy living in Cleveland, TN with my wonderful husband (who I met at Lee). During my time in Cleveland, I have scouted the best thrifting spots, sunset overlooks, and eclectic restaurants.

While in my undergrad at Lee, my worldview expanded exponentially. As a student worker for multiple professors across different disciplines, an interview host for our Imago Dei movement, and an English teacher in our Center for English Language and Literacy, I was enriched by the diverse perspectives of many people. I had the incredible opportunity to go to Italy to study the theology of a pilgrimage with professors and peers, thanks to the Global Perspectives program. God has profoundly impacted my life at Lee University, and I eagerly look forward to assisting students to attend Lee to feel the flame for themselves. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out!

Zach Copeland 

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]  
(423) 614-8509

Zach works with students from:

States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia 

Hello! My name is Zach Copeland, and I am the admissions counselor for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. I am so excited that you have considered Lee University, and I would love to help guide you as you begin the admissions journey.  

I am originally from Waverly, GA and started my Lee experience in the fall of 2020. I recently graduated from Lee with a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry. I am now a graduate student in the Master of Ministry Program here at Lee. When I am not working, I like to fish, hike, camp, spend time by the lake, and wander through McKay’s bookstore.  

During my time at Lee, I have met some of my greatest friends and mentors. I have also had the opportunity to serve as a School of Theology and Ministry peer mentor for two years. Some of my fondest memories at Lee are of playing intramural sports, discovering new hiking spots, and getting breakfast with professors.  

I look forward to talking with you soon and helping walk with you as you navigate the college admissions process!  

Malik Hill  

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]  
(423) 614-8513

Malik works with students from:

States: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin  

Tennessee Counties: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley

Hello, my name is Malik Hill, and I am the admissions counselor for West TN, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin. I am originally from Hickory, NC and graduated from one of the best universities ever, Lee University, with my B.A. in Pastoral Ministry. I am so thrilled that you are considering Lee and would love to talk with you and walk you through the process of applying and becoming a Flame. Looking forward to assisting you navigate your admissions to Lee!  

Valerie Fuqua

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8534

Valerie works with students from:

States: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

Tennessee Counties: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley

My name is Valerie Fuqua and I am your new admissions counselor! I am excited to begin working with you on your application process as you navigate the adventure of making college decisions.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any of your questions or concerns. I am looking forward to getting to know you more and see what some of your favorite things are!

Shane Griffith

Director of Admissions
[email protected]
(423) 615-8520

Shane works with students from:

States: California

Meet Shane Griffith, the Admissions Director at Lee University. Shane has been a part of the Lee University team for many years and has a wealth of experience in the field of higher education. He is passionate about helping students find the right fit for their college experience and works tirelessly to ensure that every student who applies to Lee University is given the individual attention they need to make an informed decision about their education. Shane holds a Doctor of Business Administration and is also the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Professor of Business. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Jaclyn Taylor

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8503

Jaclyn works with students from:

Tennessee Counties: Bedford, Benton, Bledso, Cannon, Carroll, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Coffee, Crockett, Cumberland, Davidson, Decatur, Dekalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Fentress, Franklin, Gibson, Giles, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Moore, Obion, Overton, Perry, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, Wayne, Weakley, White, Williamson, Wilson

Hey! My name is Jaclyn Taylor, and I am your admissions counselor! I am so excited to walk the journey of the admissions process with you! I am from Etowah, TN and am thrilled to be working with students from around the same area where I grew up! My journey at Lee began in 2020 and it has been home for me ever since. During my time at Lee, I served as a Peer Mentor for the LEAP program, a student ambassador for A-Force, and I was a member of CRU. I have grown in so many ways and created so many lifelong friendships throughout my time.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Business Administration here at Lee. I love playing card games, hiking, swimming, watching movies, pretty much anytime I can spend time with friends and family. I look forward to getting to know you and your interests! Think of me as your go-to person during the admissions process, I will be here for any questions or concerns you have; I hope to hear from you soon! 

Paul Bembry

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8513

Paul works with students from:

States: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

My name is Paul Bembry and I am your admissions counselor here at Lee University. I’m so excited to help you navigate through the admission journey. I am currently in my senior year at Lee with the intent to graduate this May with a major in Discipleship Ministries. When I’m not working in the admissions office, I like to go on hikes around the Chattanooga area and during the spring you can always find me in Atlanta screaming for the Braves!

I’m super excited that you are considering Lee to be your future home! If you have any questions feel free to email me or if you just want to reply and introduce yourself that will be great too! I hope you have a great semester!

I look forward to talking with you soon!

Alex Hooker

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8509

Alex works with students from:

States: North & South Carolina

Tennessee Counties: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sequatchie, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, Washington

Hello! My name is Alex Hooker and I am the Admissions Counselor for North Carolina, South Carolina and East Tennessee. I am ecstatic that you are considering Lee University and would love to assist you through the admissions process! 

I am originally from Dalton, Georgia and started my Lee journey in the fall of 2017. Although Dalton is less than an hour from campus, I did not know much about the university until the summer before my senior year of high school. I was growing significantly in my faith at the time, and the Lord led me to a church comprised of several Lee alumni. It was through that church that I got connected to Lee and had the opportunity to attend a worship event on campus right before my senior year began. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt the Lord's presence and knew that Lee was my home for the next few years. Lee was the only school I applied to, and I never looked back after I was accepted. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Discipleship Ministry with a Business Administration Minor in December of 2021. The four and a half years I spent as a student on campus were some of the most life-changing years where the presence of God was so evident.

During my time at Lee, I had the honor of serving in several incredible roles. My sophomore year I was given the opportunity to serve as a Resident Assistant in the Bowdle-O'Bannon freshman dorm. My junior and senior years, I had the opportunity to participate in the Greek service clubs Tau Kappa Omega and Epsilon Lambda Phi.  Additionally, I served as a peer mentor for incoming freshman students in both my junior and senior years. All these roles paired with my Discipleship Ministry undergraduate degree gave me a wholistic and enriching college experience. 

Choosing the right college is a major decision for anyone. Lee has been a place of so much growth and transformation for me and I look forward to helping you write your Lee story! 

Madison Funderburk

Transfer Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8502

Hi! My name is Madison Funderburk and I am the Admissions Counselor for Transfer Students. I am so glad you are interested in attending Lee University! I would love to answer any questions you may have and help you through this new and exciting transition in your life! 

I graduated from Lee University in May of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing Management. Although I came to Lee only knowing one person, this school quickly became a place that I now call home. 

During my time at Lee, I had the privilege of being a part of the Lee University Singers and the service-based Greek club, Delta Zeta Tau. Both of these communities brought many service opportunities, lifelong friendships, and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. 

Lee University has been a place where I have been challenged to pursue excellence. I have grown spiritually, academically, and socially thanks to the professors and Christ-centered community on campus. I am forever changed because I found this school, and I am thankful for every moment I have spent here. 

I would love to share more with you about Lee and the many opportunities awaiting you here! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your questions! 

Jackson Walker

Freshman Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
(423) 614-8515

Jackson works with students from:

States: Alabama, Florida, & Georgia

Hello! My name is Jackson Walker, and I am the admissions counselor for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. My goal is to guide you in any way possible as you consider Lee University as an option for your college experience.

I am from Cleveland, Tennessee and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in December 2022. Throughout my time at Lee I have grown in my spiritual and academic life. How I grew at Lee was through Bible studies on my residential hall and my professors pushing me academically. I had the honor of serving as a student ambassador throughout my time at Lee.

I know college is a big decision and will take some time. I am fully prepared to walk alongside you as you make your college choice. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns! I look forward to talking with you!